Avalanche Refresher Course in Crested Butte

Things to know

• Covid measures in Crested Butte, Colorado

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Crested Butte, Colorado, please refer to the Official Colorado COVID-19 Update Website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • A professional backcountry guide/AIARE qualified instructor
    • Knowledge of the areas/routes you’ll be visiting during the course
    • Rescue access, coordination, and response if necessary
    • A full day in the field

  What’s not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Accommodation
    • Food and snacks
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to get the most of this adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

  Prerequisites:
  Students must be able to travel in the snow, and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. Skiers must be able to hike for several hours at a time while carrying a small pack. All participants should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. Participants should also have some previous experience in backcountry skiing/riding, as well as some previous avalanche education.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Touring set up (AT/tele skis & skins or a splitboard & skins, poles, and boots)
    • Backcountry ski pack (25 – 45 liters)
    • Basic avalanche safety gear (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Synthetic or wool under layers (no cotton!)
    • Synthetic or wool mid layers (fleece jacket, vest, soft shell jacket – no cotton!)
    • Down or synthetic puffy jacket
    • Weather proof jacket and pants
    • Gloves x 2 pairs (we suggest 1 pair for skinning/taking notes and one pair for skiing/riding)
    • Beanie x 2 (nice to have an extra)
    • Buff, neck gaiter or balaclava
    • Ball cap or visor (especially for sunny days)
    • Goggles
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen & lip protection
    • Full water bottles (at least 1 liter), bladder systems discouraged
    • Thermos w/ hot beverage (tea, hot cocoa, coffee, etc.)
    • Plenty of snacks & lunch
    • Headlamp
    • Extra batteries for headlamp and beacon
    • Camera — optional, but highly recommended
    • Pocket-sized notebook for notes – optional, but highly recommended
    • Pen or pencil to take notes – optional, but highly recommended

  If you have any questions about what to pack for your day in the backcountry don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including the beacon, shovel and probe can be rented from Irwin Guides
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from The Alpineer in Crested Butte
    • Splitboard set-up can be rented from Irwin Guides

  Gear rental locations are in Crested Butte and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements
  • • For this course, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1
    • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private courses.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • You must be at least 16 years old to participate.
• Getting there and meeting location

  The simplest way to reach Crested Butte is by taking a flight to the Denver International Airport. From there, you are a 4-5 hour drive away to Crested Butte, depending on the weather conditions. Renting a car is recommended.

  You will usually meet your guides at backcountry trailheads within 20 min of Crested Butte. You will be informed about the location via email in advance. Be aware that the location may be subject to change based on the weather or snow coverage conditions.